Reform varsity scholarship system, Tayebwa asks govt

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament has urged the government to institute reforms for awarding scholarships to learners at institutions of higher learning. The government sponsors at least 4,000 students in different public universities annually, with Makerere University taking a lion’s share.

 While celebrating the 83rd anniversary of Mt St Mary’s College Namagunga at the weekend Mr Thomas Tayebwa said the current system is unfair and mainly favours children from well-to-do families, leaving out poor children, “yet taxpayers, including the poor themselves, fund the scholarships”.

 “We are going to transform, I know the President put a commission that has finished review [of the system],” the Deputy Speaker said. He added: “What does it mean to find that my child is also going for a scholarship of Shs2m per semester, and l give her/him Shs10m for pocket money plus a Benz to drive around?”  Urban schools with children mostly from well-to-do families have always outperformed those in rural schools, where the majority of learners are deprived and cannot afford to pay for higher education.  

As a result, some have dropped out of school. Mr Tayebwa also urged the Catholic Church and other private institutions to extend opportunities to bright students from underprivileged backgrounds so that they can mingle with the rich, saying this will address income inequalities in the country through connections.

He appreciated the school management for equipping the children with Knowledge, discipline, moral grounding, and the values needed to lead and serve. Without disclosing the details, Mr Tayebwa promised to make a generous contribution towards the Namagunga projects, including the new classroom block, which is expected to cost more than Shs3.1b. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija promised to contribute Shs5m towards the construction of the classroom block.  Sr Regina Nabawanuka, the headteacher, lauded Mother Kevin, who established the school 83 years ago.  Sr Nabawanuka also commended the government for the timely payment of the teachers on the payroll and Bishop Christopher Kakooza of Lugazi Diocese for the support given to the school.

Another school project

She also appreciated the parents and friends who have contributed Shs325.6m towards the construction of the perimeter wall at the school. The school board of governors has also saved Shs415m for the same project, and the total cost for this project is Shs1.6b. 

“However, we are still looking for Shs929,400,000 to complete it,” Sr Nabawanuka said. The Vicar General of Lugazi Diocese, Richard Kayondo, who led Mass, encouraged the students to carry forward the legacy of excellence and humility established by the alumni. Nine students who scored 20 points in the 2024 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education examinations were also recognised at the function.

Pain point.

 What does it mean to find that my child is also going for a scholarship of Shs2m per semester, and l give her/him Shs10m for pocket money plus a Benz to drive around?– Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament